Test your Omega-3 Index
Find out with a simple blood test whether you are optimally supplied: a measured value instead of guesswork.
Here's how it works
What is the Omega-3 Index?
The most important measure of your Omega-3 status — and most people have never heard of it.
The Omega-3 index measures the proportion of the long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in the total fatty acids of red blood cells (erythrocytes). It is expressed as a percentage and is considered a reliable biomarker for long-term Omega-3 status — similar to the HbA1c value for blood sugar.
TL;DR — The Key Points
- The Omega-3 index measures EPA+DHA in red blood cells — it reflects your supply over the last 3–4 months, not your last meal.
- Target range 8–11% (von Schacky, Proc Nutr Soc, 2020, PMID 32389149); in most European countries the average is below 8% (Schuchardt et al., Prog Lipid Res, 2024, PMID 38879135).
- The single test costs £80; the Pure Arctic Oil 6-month concept with 2 tests costs £323 in total (Eqology UK shop, 31.10.2026) — Laboratory: Vitas AS, Oslo (ISO 17025 accredited).
- 11 fatty acids are analysed, results available online after 20–25 days; the finger prick at home takes approximately 5 minutes.
As red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 120 days, the Omega-3 index does not reflect yesterday's meal but your supply over the past 3–4 months. This makes it a more meaningful marker than one-off blood serum measurements.
According to EFSA, EPA and DHA are recognised for normal heart function (from 250 mg/day), normal brain function and normal vision (from 250 mg DHA/day). The Omega-3 index gives you clarity on whether you reach these minimum values through your diet — or whether you should supplement.
Target value: 8–11%
The target range is 8–11% (von Schacky, Proc Nutr Soc, 2020, PMID 32389149). In most European countries the average is below 8% (Schuchardt et al., Prog Lipid Res, 2024, PMID 38879135). Values below 4% are considered very low.
Omega-3 Index Scale
Ranges based on Harris & von Schacky, Preventive Medicine, 2004 (PMID 15208005) and Schuchardt et al., Prog Lipid Res, 2024 (PMID 38879135).
More on the science: Omega-3 Test Kit · Omega-3 Deficiency Check
How the test works
Simple, hygienic and completely from home — no doctor's appointment needed.
Step 1: Order the test kit
Order your test kit directly online. It will be delivered to your door in 3–5 working days. The set includes: lancet for the finger prick, filter card (DBS card), instructions and prepaid return envelope to the laboratory.
Step 2: Perform the finger prick
With the included single-use lancet, you briefly prick your fingertip. A few drops of blood on the filter card — done. The whole process takes approximately 5 minutes and is virtually painless. The instructions guide you through step by step.
Step 3: Results in 20–25 days
Send the sample free of charge to the Vitas AS laboratory in Oslo. After 20–25 days you will receive an email and can retrieve your complete result online: Omega-3 index, all 11 fatty acids individually, and a comparison with reference values.
What is measured?
A comprehensive fatty acid analysis — far more than just EPA and DHA.
Values analysed
- Omega-3 Index (EPA + DHA in erythrocytes)
- Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
- DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
- Arachidonic acid (AA, Omega-6)
- Linoleic acid (LA, Omega-6)
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, Omega-3)
- Oleic acid (OA, Omega-9)
- Palmitic acid (PA, saturated)
- Stearic acid (SA, saturated)
- Comparison with reference values
Laboratory: Vitas AS, Oslo
Analysis is carried out at the Vitas AS laboratory in Oslo (Norway) — one of Europe's leading specialist fatty acid laboratories. The laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025 and works to internationally recognised analytical methods (gas chromatography). The result includes all values with personal reference ranges so you can interpret them directly.
Sample report: what your result looks like
So you know what you get before you order: a recreated example report showing the figures the test provides.
Example with made-up values – not a real customer report. Recreated by omega3-test.net, not an original laboratory report. Your actual report will look different.
Example report with made-up values
Not a real customer reportOmega-3 Index (EPA + DHA)
5.4% low
Example values: EPA 0.8% + DHA 4.6%
- below 4%: very low (Harris & von Schacky, Prev Med 2004, PMID 15208005; Schuchardt et al., Prog Lipid Res 2024, PMID 38879135)
- 4–6%: low (Schuchardt et al. 2024) – this is where the example value sits
- 6–8%: moderate (Schuchardt et al. 2024)
- 8–11%: target range (von Schacky, Proc Nutr Soc, 2020, PMID 32389149)
- above 11%: above target, higher is not automatically better (von Schacky 2020)
Omega-6 : Omega-3
5.5 : 1 Sample value
Example values: (20.6 + 2.0 + 16.0) ÷ (0.2 + 0.8 + 1.4 + 4.6)
- No single normal value: each laboratory calculates with its own fatty acids and states its own ranges.
- 6.5 : 1: median in Germany, Vitas whole blood, 77,401 samples (Torrissen et al., Lipids Health Dis 2025, PMID 40783537)
Individual fatty acids (excerpt, example values)
| Fatty acid | Group | Value |
|---|---|---|
| ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) | Omega-3 | 0.2% |
| EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) | Omega-3 | 0.8% |
| DPA (docosapentaenoic acid) | Omega-3 | 1.4% |
| DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) | Omega-3 | 4.6% |
| LA (linoleic acid) | Omega-6 | 20.6% |
| DGLA (dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid) | Omega-6 | 2.0% |
| AA (arachidonic acid) | Omega-6 | 16.0% |
| Oleic acid | Omega-9 | 14.5% |
| Palmitic acid | saturated | 22.0% |
| Stearic acid | saturated | 15.5% |
Excerpt with 10 rows. Eqology has 11 fatty acids analysed by Vitas (provider information, eqology.com, as of October 2026); your real report shows the laboratory's reference ranges next to the values.
Recreated illustration by omega3-test.net with made-up values · not a real person · not a diagnosis. Real reports look different depending on the laboratory.
How to read your report
Start with the Omega-3 Index: it is the sum of EPA and DHA and reflects your intake over recent months, because red blood cells live for around 120 days (Lew & Tiffert, Front Physiol 2017, PMID 29311949). Then check what the ranges in your report refer to: Vitas measures whole blood, the 8–11% target range was defined for measurements in red blood cells, and the two cannot be equated 1:1 (von Schacky 2020; Torrissen et al. 2025). From the individual values you can also work out AA:EPA – in the example 16.0 ÷ 0.8 = 20 : 1. More on the balance of fatty acids: Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio; a step-by-step guide to every value is currently available in German: Omega-3-Index-Werte verstehen.
Your options at a glance
Single test or with a subscription — both paths lead to your Omega-3 index.
Single test
One-time payment · no further costs
- Test kit with lancet and filter card
- Laboratory analysis at Vitas AS Oslo
- 11 fatty acids analysed
- Online results in 20–25 days
- Prepaid return envelope included
*Advertising link · order at Eqology
Test + Premium Omega-3
Month 1: 2 bottles + 1 test £138 · months 2–6 £37/month · second test in month 5 · binding for 6 months, then monthly unless cancelled
- Everything from the single test
- Plus: Pure Arctic Oil monthly
- High-quality fish oil from Arctic waters
- Regular follow-up testing possible
- Binding for 6 months, then monthly unless cancelled
*Advertising link · order at Eqology
* Affiliate link. When you order, we receive a commission. Your price does not change.
Prices: Eqology UK shop, 31.10.2026.
All Eqology bundles in detail
Want more detail on the individual Eqology oils? Pure Arctic Oil Natural, Heart & Energy (with CoQ10), Gold (high DHA content), Pure Vegan Oil (algae oil) and For Kids — all variants with EPA/DHA values, ingredients and monthly prices are on our test kit page.
View all Eqology bundles →Omega-3 tests compared
So you can make an informed decision — an honest overview of the available providers.
| Provider | Price | Fatty acids | Laboratory | Wait time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eqology | £80 single test (£323 for the 6-month concept incl. oil and 2 tests; Eqology UK shop, 31.10.2026) | 11 | Vitas AS, Oslo | 20–25 days |
| Zinzino BalanceTest | £163 (Premier price £115; Zinzino UK shop, 31.10.2026) | 11 | GMP laboratory | 20–30 days |
| Norsan | €71–89 (German price, March 2026; Norsan has no UK shop) | 26 | Omegametrix | 7–14 days |
| Omegametrix direct | €74.24 (euro price, omegametrix.eu, 31.10.2026; UK delivery not stated) | 24 | Omegametrix | 10 days |
Our verdict
Eqology combines the test with the Pure Arctic Oil in its subscription — you test and optimise simultaneously. Those who want to measure more fatty acids and need a quick result will find a good alternative with Norsan or Omegametrix. Zinzino's BalanceTest costs £163 at the regular price (£115 Premier). Prices in £ are from the Eqology and Zinzino UK shops (31.10.2026); prices in € are German/EU prices and are not converted.
Need help deciding?
Not sure which test or Omega-3 product suits you? Book a free 15-minute appointment and we will advise you personally — with no sales pressure.
Request a call by email →FAQ on the Omega-3 Index Test
How does the Omega-3 finger prick test work?
You prick your fingertip lightly with the included lancet and place a few drops of blood on a filter card (dried blood spot). You send this free of charge by post to the Vitas AS laboratory in Oslo. After 20–25 days you receive an email notification and can retrieve your result online. The entire process at home takes only approximately 5 minutes.
Can I order the Omega-3 test without a subscription?
Yes, the single test is available without a subscription for £80 and includes everything you need: test kit, laboratory analysis and online access to your results. Those who want to monitor their Omega-3 status regularly and take a high-quality Omega-3 oil at the same time can choose the Pure Arctic Oil 6-month concept: month 1 with 2 bottles and 1 test £138, months 2–6 £37 per month, second test in month 5, £323 in total (Eqology UK shop, 31.10.2026). The concept is binding for 6 months and then continues monthly unless cancelled.
How long does the result take?
After your sample arrives at the Vitas AS laboratory, analysis takes approximately 20–25 days. You will receive an automatic email as soon as your personal report is available online. The result shows your Omega-3 index, all 11 fatty acids individually, and reference value ranges so you can interpret the figures directly.
What is a good Omega-3 index?
The target range for the Omega-3 index is 8–11% (von Schacky, Proc Nutr Soc, 2020, PMID 32389149); values below 4% are considered very low (Harris & von Schacky, Preventive Medicine, 2004, PMID 15208005). In most European countries the average is below 8% (Schuchardt et al., Prog Lipid Res, 2024, PMID 38879135). Because red blood cells live for about 120 days, a re-test after 3–4 months shows how your value has changed (Lew & Tiffert, Front Physiol, 2017, PMID 29311949).
What do I do with my result?
Your result clearly shows whether you are well supplied or need to act. With a low value, we recommend targeted supplementation with a high-quality Omega-3 oil. After 3–4 months, a follow-up test is worthwhile to measure progress. Unsure how to interpret your results? Book a free consultation.
Medical disclaimer
This page serves for general information only and does not replace medical advice. The Omega-3 index test is an information test for informed consumers, not a diagnostic instrument for diseases. All health claims are based on EFSA-approved health claims and published studies.
Not sure whether you need a test?
Try the free Omega-3 deficiency quick check first — 10 questions, 2 minutes, instant result.
Go to the free deficiency check →